Construction Begins for Zaha Hadid Architects’ Mixed-Use “Sky Park” in Slovakia

Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has started the construction works for the ‘Sky Park’ project in Bratislava, Slovakia. The 5.5-hectare development includes 700 apartments, 55,000 m2 of office and retail space, in addition to a 20,000-square-meter park. The London-based firm was selected to transform the former industrial site into mixed-use development after winning a competition in 2010. The development features “fluid architecture” that offers a different type of housing from the ‘paneláks,’ fast-built prefabricated housing blocks to counter postwar housing shortage.

“Sky Park is an important link between Bratislava’s contemporary culture, emerging nature, and history,” said Patrik Schumacher, principal of Zaha Hadid Architects.

At the center of Sky Park, there is an out-of-service heating plant that was built in 1941 by architect Dušan Jurkovič. The historical structure was facing the threat of demolition, but then it was purchased by the developers of Sky Park, Penta Investment, and kept as a cultural monument. Its façades will be repaired and restored as part of the new development. ZHA’s masterplan design makes it possible for the public to access and explore the historical landmark. That is in addition to the full-time access to the surrounding park which includes facilities like an amphitheater, a sports field, a dog park, orchards, playgrounds, picnic sites, and running tracks.

“Sky Park is currently one of the most important Penta projects, not only due to the size of the investment but also due to the overall significance for our capital city, with its concept and solution of public spaces,” said Jozef Oravkin, a partner in Penta Investments, the project’s developer.

The construction of the mixed-use project will be over two phases. Phase 1 includes three residential towers and 4,200m of office space, and it is scheduled to be completed in 2019. Almost 60% of the apartments from this phase has been already sold out.